NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa – This past year has been a life-changing experience for Nicholas Baer, and he has basketball to thank for it.

And himself.

Baer wouldn’t be where he is now without believing in himself.

He wouldn’t be a key member of the Iowa men’s basketball team – who is now on scholarship after joining the program as a walk-on – if he had listened to the naysayers who doubted his ability.

Baer was on a mission when he came to Iowa City last summer as a willowy 6-foot-7 forward from Bettendorf, a mission to show that he not only belonged in the Big Ten, but that he could thrive.

The fact that he cracked Iowa’s rotation as a redshirt freshman this past season probably was a surprise to everybody except Baer.

“I don’t think I did anything last season that surprised myself,” Baer said Thursday after scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in the Prime Time League. “And that’s a lot of credit to my teammates. I think they had a lot of confidence in me. And that kind of instilled a great lift in me to be able to go out there and play well.”

Baer has made it easy for his teammates to have confidence in him because his game speaks for itself. He hit the ground running as a Hawkeye last season and hasn’t looked back.

Baer played so well last season that Iowa coach Fran McCaffery had no choice but to reward him with a scholarship in the spirit of fairness. Two additional scholarships became available this spring after freshmen Andrew Fleming and Brandon Hutton both decided to transfer.

McCaffery wasted no time in rewarding Baer for a job well done.

"Nicholas was a terrific player for us in a lot of different ways," McCaffery said at the time. "He impacts the game with his energy, instincts, shooting, rebounding, defense, and he doesn’t make mistakes. He’s everything you want on the floor, especially with the way we play."

You could argue that Baer was the most impressive Hawkeye on Thursday in the PTL, his versatility providing a spark on both ends as he seems to just keep getting better.

He didn’t rattle the rim with any authoritative dunks, nor did he excel from 3-point range, making just 2-of-11 attempts.

But Baer still recorded a double-double in scoring and rebounding, while also dishing out five assists.

“I’ve always thought of myself as being an all-around player, but I think one thing in particular that I’m working on is ball handling,” Baer said. “I’m just trying to take guys off the dribble a little bit because I’ll have to do that this season.”

You could tell in Thursday’s game that Baer was focused on his ball handling and getting to the basket as he repeatedly attacked the rim. It was like he was practicing and playing at the same time.

When the game ended, Baer posed for photos with fans and signed autographs as part of the Hawkeye star treatment.

In his case, what a difference a year makes.

“In some ways, it’s a little bit different,” Baer said. “But otherwise, it’s pretty much the same, just going to the gym and work on my game. So that part is the same.

“I think with the Prime Time League it might be a little bit different. I think I’m more on the radar this year. But I welcome that. And I’m really excited about getting a chance to play in this league.”

Whether he starts or not, Baer will be a key contributor next season because he belongs at this level. His versatility and self-confidence are things that can’t be coached.

Along with his desire.